Our Habit

Consists of four pleats to represent the four gospels.

Worn as a sign of consecration to Mary, a protection from danger, and a pledge of love for Jesus in the Eucharist.

Traditionally, a woman’s hair is considered her glory. In religious life, she veils her hair to express humility before the glory of God, whom she wishes to glorify with her whole being, disappearing completely in Him. A sister is consecrated to God. That which is consecrated to God has always been veiled (the Tabernacle, sacred vessels, etc.). However, the veil has evolved to be bridal symbolism- the Sister wears it to represent that she is a bride of Christ. This is why the color of the veil has such meaning: the white symbolizes purity and is worn by novices.

Worn as a sign of consecration to Mary, a protection from danger, and a pledge of love for Jesus in the Eucharist.

A sign of a desire to continue on a path of continuous conversion as the Novice engages in a lifestyle that presents its proper spirituality, norms, and characteristics.

Traditionally, a woman’s hair is considered her glory. In religious life, she veils her hair to express humility before the glory of God, whom she wishes to glorify with her whole being, disappearing completely in Him. A sister is consecrated to God. That which is consecrated to God has always been veiled (the Tabernacle, sacred vessels, etc.). However, the veil has evolved to be bridal symbolism- the Sister wears it to represent that she is a bride of Christ. This is why the color of the veil has such meaning: the white symbolizes purity and is worn by novices. The black color is the color of modesty, penitence, and humility. Our Constitutions state that the means by which we should strive for holiness is prayer, fraternity, apostolic endeavors, and sacrifice.

“We wear our habit as a sign of consecration and a witness to poverty.”- Constitutions #73. The color of our habit reminds us of the Eucharist, which we adore and receive daily. As Religious Sisters, we are called to profess with our very lives that the ultimate fulfillment for the human person is in God, the Divine Bridegroom, and that all members of the Church are His Bride. So, our tunic is also our bridal gown! It is meant to be a sign of the Wedding Feast that is to come in Heaven, but also a reminder that union with God begins here on earth.

The medal we wear displays the pillars of our spirituality: the Eucharist and Mary, the Mother of Mercy. On the front of the medal are the Blessed Sacrament and the Mercedarian Shield. The Blessed Sacrament is centered in a monstrance, which has rays emanating forth from it as a reminder of the centrality of Eucharist in our every endeavor, in our every prayer. The Mercedarian shield is beside it, because as members of the Order of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mercy (the Mercedarians), we are called to lay down our lives for those who are in danger of losing their faith. For us, the redemption of captives is inextricably linked to the Eucharist, for we believe that redemption is won, and has been won, through the Paschal Mystery of Christ, which we celebrate every day in the Liturgy. Our Lady of Mercy is featured on the back of the medal, as Mother Mary is our greatest ally in seeking conformity to CHrist, and she never tires of teaching us how to follow the Lamb wherever He goes.

We wear a crucifix, asking Jesus to clothe us with Himself.

We wear our ring as a symbol of our Spousal Covenant with God.